Research questions and answers

Q1) what is a research problem?

A research problem is a statement about an area of concern, a condition to be improved, a difficulty to

be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or in practice that
points to the need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation. In some social science
disciplines the research problem is typically posed in the form of a question. A research problem does
not state how to do something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value question.

Types of research problem

There are four general types of a research problem in the social sciences

1. Casuist Research Problem this type of problem relates to the determination of right and wrong
in questions of conduct or conscience by analyzing moral dilemmas through the application of
general rules and the careful distinction of special cases.
2. Difference Research Problem typically asks the question, “Is there a difference between two or
more groups or treatments?” This type of problem statement is used when the researcher
compares or contrasts two or more phenomena.
3. Descriptive Research Problem typically asks the question, "what is...?" with the underlying
purpose to describe a situation, state, or existence of a specific phenomenon.
4. Relational Research Problem suggests a relationship of some sort between two or more
variables to be investigated. The underlying purpose is to investigate qualities/characteristics
that are connected in some way.

What is a research question?

A research question is "a question that a research project sets out to answer". Choosing a research
question is an essential element of both quantitative and qualitative research. Investigation will require
data collection and analysis, and the methodology for this will vary widely. Good research questions
seek to improve knowledge on an important topic, and are usually narrow and specific.

Types of research questions

1. Qualitative Research Questions

A qualitative research question is a type of systematic inquiry that aims at collecting qualitative data
from research subjects. The aim of qualitative research questions is to gather non-statistical information
pertaining to the experiences, observations, and perceptions of the research subjects in line with the
objectives of the investigation.

Types of Qualitative Research Questions

 i. Ethnographic Research Questions

As the name clearly suggests, ethnographic research questions are inquiries presented in ethnographic
research. Ethnographic research is a qualitative research approach that involves observing variables in
their natural environments or habitats in order to arrive at objective research outcomes.

These research questions help the researcher to gather insights into the habits, dispositions,
perceptions, and behaviors of research subjects as they interact in specific environments.

Examples of Ethnographic Research Questions

Why do you use this product?

Have you noticed any side effects since you started using this drug?

Does this product meet your needs?

ethnographic-research-questions

Case Studies

A case study is a qualitative research approach that involves carrying out a detailed investigation into a
research subject(s) or variable(s). In the course of a case study, the researcher gathers a range of data
from multiple sources of information via different data collection methods, and over a period of time.

The aim of a case study is to analyze specific issues within definite contexts and arrive at detailed
research subject analyses by asking the right questions. This research method can be explanatory,
descriptive, or exploratory depending on the focus of your systematic investigation or research.

Some questions you can include in your case studies are:

i. Why did you choose our services?

ii. How has this policy affected your business output?
iii. What benefits have you recorded since you started using our product?

Interviews

An interview is a qualitative research method that involves asking respondents a series of questions in
order to gather information about a research subject. Interview questions can be close-ended or open-
ended, and they prompt participants to provide valid information that is useful to the research.

An interview may also be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, and this further influences the
types of questions they include. Structured interviews are made up of more close-ended questions
because they aim at gathering quantitative data while unstructured interviews consist, primarily, of
open-ended questions that allow the researcher to collect qualitative information from respondents.

Examples of interview questions include:

 i. What challenges did you face while using our product?
ii. What specific needs did our product meet?
iii. What would you like us to improve our service delivery
2. Quantitative Research Questions

Quantitative research questions are questions that are used to gather quantifiable data from research
subjects. These types of research questions are usually more specific and direct because they aim at
collecting information that can be measured; that is, statistical information.

Types of Quantitative Research Questions

Descriptive Research Questions

Descriptive research questions are inquiries that researchers use to gather quantifiable data about the
attributes and characteristics of research subjects. These types of questions primarily seek responses
that reveal existing patterns in the nature of the research subjects.

It is important to note that descriptive research questions are not concerned with the causative factors
of the discovered attributes and characteristics. Rather, they focus on the “what”; that is, describing the
subject of the research without paying attention to the reasons for its occurrence.

Descriptive Research Question Examples

i. How often do you make use of our fitness application?

ii. How much would you be willing to pay for this product?
3. Comparative Research Questions

A comparative research question is a type of quantitative research question that is used to gather
information about the differences between two or more research subjects across different variables.
These types of questions help the researcher to identify distinct features that mark one research subject
from the other while highlighting existing similarities.

The 5 steps involved in the framing of comparative research questions are:

i. Choose your starting phrase

ii. Identify and name the dependent variable
iii. Identify the groups you are interested in
iv. Identify the appropriate adjoining text
v. Write out the comparative research question

Comparative Research Question Samples

i. What are the differences between a landline telephone and a smartphone?

ii. What are the differences between work-from-home and on-site operations?
4. Relationship-based Research Questions
Just like the name suggests, a relationship-based research question is one that inquires into the nature
of the association between two research subjects within the same demographic. These types of research
questions help you to gather information pertaining to the nature of the association between two
research variables.

Relationship-based research questions are also known as correlational research questions because they
seek to clearly identify the link between 2 variables.

Examples of relationship-based research questions include:

i. What is the relationship between purchasing power and the business site?
ii. What is the relationship between the work environment and workforce turnover?

What are the characteristics of a good research question ?

1. It needs to be well grounded in current theoretical and empirical knowledge (know the literature)

2. It sets the context of the research so enabling to determine the subject matter, the focus, what
research evidence is needed so as to produce an answer, and the conclusion.

3. The question must be do-able (within the given limitations of time, money, capacities, resources) as
well as be worth undertaking.

4. Good questions must be amenable to the formulation of clear hypotheses and operational definitions.

5. A researcher could have several reasons for going after a specific research question: as it will provide
financial support, because it is a logical or crucial next thing in developing a career, or because getting at
the truth of the issue appears fascinating. I like this last reason; it is one which grows as it is exercised
and this offers the intensity of effort required to overcome the countless obstacles and frustrations of
the research process. Nevertheless, it is advisable to verify the interest of a question with mentors and
outside specialists prior to dedicating significant energy to creating a research plan or grant proposal
that peers and funding agencies might find boring.

6. A good research question should be important in terms of theory and application (usually weighted
toward one).

7. It should not attempt to address large issues. It is not a topic but is a particular question in a topic: it
needs to be specific, clear, well-defined, and to the point. It should allow you to drill down into a
phenomena to better understand it, instead of remaining superficial. Focus is essential in creating a
research question. It needs to be firmly focused by the time that you are ready to proceed to developing
the research methods.

8. Good research leads to new information. An investigation which simply reiterates what is previously
proven is not worth the effort and cost. A question doesn’t have to be completely original. It may ask
whether a earlier observation could be replicated, whether the results in one population also apply to
others, or whether enhanced measurement methods can make clear the relationship between two
variables. A confirmatory study is especially useful if it eliminates the flaws of earlier studies.

9. Good research questions demands a lot more than looking something up. It reflects an underlying
tension which doesn’t merely turn on one or two missing facts. It should force you to weigh evidence
and evaluate divergent views on the subject. It should enable you to create a solution that the audience
find both interesting and important.

10. Good questions should be ethical. If the research poses undesirable physical risks or intrusion of
privacy, the researcher should seek alternative methods to answer the question. If there is uncertainty
about whether the study is ethical, you should discuss it at an initial phase with experts.

11. “Dichotomous questions” questions with simple yes or no responses – don’t make good questions.

12. Among the characteristics of a good research question, none is more crucial than its relevance. A
sensible approach to decide about relevance is to think of the different outcomes which are likely to
occur and think about how each possibility may progress scientific knowledge, influence management,
or guide future research.

Q2. Challenges faced by researchers in conducting a good research?

Research requires several ingredients; some difficult to manage, while others are difficult to arrange. It is
done by a single individual, but requires the acceptance/approval of several others; guides, supervisors,
defense committee members, interviewees, focus group members, etc.

In developing nations, research is in its incessant stage. Researchers face challenges in conducting a
research. In addition, researchers are faced with challenges associated with growth, infrastructural
deficiencies, financial crunches, etc. Here’s a list of challenges that we found intimidating for budding
researchers:

i. Lack of Scientific Training: The research methodology is not systematic. Many researchers
undertake research work without having actual knowledge of the research methods. Even the
guides do not have a thorough knowledge of the various methodologies. Before undertaking
research projects, researchers should be well equipped with all the methodological aspects.
ii. Lack of communication with the supervisor: A university professor is a busy person. It is
important to have guidance on a research project. Poor communication gets on the way of the
progress of the research. It is important to communicate with the supervisor to clarify the
doubts regarding the research topic, to know what the supervisor expects from you and to learn
more about your research topic.
iii. management: Spending ample time in learning the skills and practical implementation
consumes a lot of time. In such a scenario, taking out time for intense research and to draft a
top-notch research paper becomes impossible.
 iv. Not having a definite deadline: Deadlines are stressful. But not having a deadline can be
troublesome during the Ph.D. journey. Deadlines help you get closer to your goals. Many times,
Universities fail to implement a due date to submit the research paper, leading to confusion and
improper time management among the scholars.
v. quantity of literature: It can be difficult to deal with the quantity of literature that one might
have accessed. The literature review is iterative. This involves managing the literature, accessing
data that supports the framework of the research, identifying keywords and alternative
keywords, as well as constantly looking for new sources.
vi. quality of writing within the literature review: A literature review has to go beyond being a
series of references and citations. You need to interpret the literature and be able to position it
within the context of your study. This requires careful and measured interpretation and writing
in which you synthesize and bring together the materials that you have read.
vii. data: Insufficiency of data is a potential problem. Most of the business establishments are of
the opinion that researchers may misuse the data provided by them. This affects the purpose of
research studies for which that particular data may be of utmost importance.
viii. Lack of confidence: Lack of confidence is one of the most common problems among
researchers. Researchers with low self-esteem feel less motivated thereby affecting the quality
of the work.
ix. Concern that your focus is either still too broad or too narrow: This concern is inevitable. Be
prepared to adapt your research as you look through the literature. This might require you to
either increase its focus or narrow down so that the research is manageable. A broad focus for
research might be narrowed down by adding an appropriate context or by looking for another
variable within the research question or by focusing upon a theoretical viewpoint.
x. Library management: Library management and functioning is not satisfactory in many
Universities; A lot of time and energy is spent on tracing appropriate books, journals, reports
etc. Also, many of the libraries are not able to get copies of new reports and other publications
on time.

Q3. What are the five (5) W's in research?

The Five Ws (sometimes referred to as Five Ws and How, 5W1H, or Six Ws)[1] are questions whose
answers are considered basic in information gathering or problem solving. They are often mentioned in
journalism (cf. news style), research, and police investigations.[2] According to the principle of the Five
Ws, a report can only be considered complete if it answers these questions starting with an interrogative
word:[1]

i. Who
ii. What
iii. When
iv. Where
v. Why
What: Thinking of What initiates the process of understanding the basics of issue, problem or scenario
at hand. It is about cognitive mapping of the scope of the issue, problem, or scenario.

Why: Asking ‘Why’ entails clarifying why the issue, problem or situation at hand occurred. It aims to
identify the triggers and rationalizes the occurrence of an issue or a problem.

When: This element is about time-stamping the occurrence of an issue or a problem. Having an
understanding of the time of occurrence could help in sequencing the triggers and impact of the issue,
or problem.

Where: This element is used to pinpoint the location or place of occurrence and hence could be helpful
in identifying the people and other things present / existing at that location which may have contributed
to the occurrence of an issue or problem.

Who: This is about identifying people who may have direct or indirect involvement in causing or
contributing to the issue or problem.

How: This element of technique is used to examine the sequence of things and triggers and how the
resultant problem or issue unfolded.

How much: This indicates the quantity, volume or size.

Q4. WHAT IS RESEARCH ETHICS?

Research Ethics is defined here to be the ethics of the planning, conduct, and reporting of research. It is
clear that research ethics should include:

However, not all researchers use human or animal subjects, nor are the ethical dimensions of research
confined solely to protections for research subjects. Other ethical challenges are rooted in many
dimensions of research, including the:

* Collection, use, and interpretation of research data

* Methods for reporting and reviewing research plans or findings

* Relationships among researchers with one another

* Relationships between researchers and those that will be affected by their research

* Means for responding to misunderstandings, disputes, or misconduct

* Options for promoting ethical conduct in research

The domain of research ethics is intended to include nothing less than the fostering of research that
protects the interests of the public, the subjects of research, and the researchers themselves.

Q5) principles of research ethics

Honesty: Being honest with the beneficiaries and respondents. Being honest about the findings and
methodology of the research. Being honest with other direct and indirect stakeholders.

Integrity: Ensuring honesty and sincerity. Fulfilling agreements and promises. Do not create false
expectations or make false promises.

Objectivity: Avoiding bias in experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation, peer review, and
other aspects of research.

Informed consent: Informed consent means that a person knowingly, voluntarily and intelligently gives
consent to participate in a research.

Informed consent is related to the autonomous right of the individual to participate in the research.

Informing the participant about the research objective, their role, benefits/harms (if any) etc.

Respect for person/respondent: It includes autonomy, which requires that those who are capable of
deliberation about their personal goals should be treated with respect for their capacity for self-
determination

protection of persons with impaired or diminished autonomy, which requires that those who are
dependent or vulnerable be afforded security against harm or abuse.

Beneficence: Maximize the benefits of the participants. Ethical obligation to maximize possible benefits
and to minimize possible harms to the respondents.

Non-maleficence/ Protecting the subjects (human): Do no harm, Minimize harm/s or risks to the
human. Ensure privacy, autonomy and dignity.

Responsible publication: Responsibly publishing to promote and uptake research or knowledge. No

duplicate publication.

Protecting anonymity It means keeping the participant anonymous. It involves not revealing the name,
caste or any other information about the participants that may reveal his/her identity.

Non-discrimination: Avoid discrimination on the basis of age, sex, race, ethnicity or other factors that
are violation of human rights and are not related to the study.

Openness: Be open to sharing results, data and other resources. Also accept encouraging comments and
constructive feedback.

Carefulness and respect for intellectual property: Be careful about the possible error and biases. Give
credit to the intellectual property of others. Always paraphrase while referring to others article, writing.
Never plagiarize.
Justice: The obligation to distribute benefits and burdens fairly, to treat equals equally, and to give
reasons for differential treatment based on widely accepted criteria for just ways to distribute benefits
and burdens

Q6) outline the six phases of research?

1. Generative/Exploratory Research

Sometimes referred to as Exploratory Research, this research phase is focused helping you to determine
what to work on next. The goal is to determine business opportunities and answer larger What If?
questions.

Methods to use:

i. User Interviews
ii. Contextual Inquiries
iii. Ethnographic studies
iv. Competitive Analysis
v. Review user analytics
vi. Surveys

2. Product Discovery

What’s the problem?

This phase focusing on identifying and defining a root problem affecting our users. We then start to
determine the type of product required to solve the root problem. During this part of the research
process, we are focused heavily on mapping our user’s mental model.

i. Methods to use:
ii. User Interviews
iii. Card Sort
iv. Process mapping
v. User journeys
3. Product Validation

What’s the MVP solution?

Here we test our hypothesis that a product could solve the root problem. This isn’t focused on a
particular design, but rather if the product matches our users’ mental model. During this validation step,
we should also have a very clear understanding of the minimum feature set and the prioritization of the
full feature set.
Methods to use:

i. Low-Fi Prototypes
ii. User Tests
4. Design Discovery & Iteration

What does that solution look like?

After reaching product validation we will work in short feedback loops to work through information
architecture options and lower fidelity designs. Each round focuses on increasing fidelity in the design
and testing that level with a segment of our user base.

Methods to use:

i. Co-creative exercises (like RITE sessions)

ii. Card sorting
iii. Usability Tests
5. Design Validation

Confirm this product and design solve the original problem.

When a design reaches the high-fidelity state we want to confirm that the design is fully usable for the
initial set of features that will launch. Test with users using a staging server or extremely polished
InVision prototypes. Use these tests to also determine friction points and prioritize fast-follow updates
to the product.

Methods to use:

i. High-Fidelity Usability Tests

ii. Pilot Tests with a small group of users
6. Launch & After Care

How is the solution holing up in production?

Before launching any product, we will have identified the desired outcome or goal. This is our chance to
measure how the new solution, tool, feature, product, etc is performing in the real world. We can
measure how it performed based on pre-defined goals, conduct user interviews to prioritize fast-follow
updates (start this about 2-3 weeks after launch to avoid impact bias), and ensure that it’s addressing
the original problem we defined.

Methods to use:

i. Review instrumented analytics (Google Analytics, FullStory, etc)

ii. Contextual inquiries/user shadowing
iii. User Interviews

Q7). Define qualitative and quantitative Research and outline their differences?
Qualitative research: is defined as a market research method that focuses on obtaining data through
open-ended and conversational communication.

This method is about “what” people think and “why” they think so. For example, consider a convenience
store looking to improve its patronage. A systematic observation concludes that more men are visiting
this store. One good method to determine why women were not visiting the store is conducting an in-
depth interview with potential customers.

For example, on successfully interviewing female customers, visiting the nearby stores and malls, and
selecting them through random sampling, it was known that the store didn’t have enough items for
women. So fewer women were visiting the store, which was understood only by personally interacting
with them and understanding why they didn’t visit the store because there were more male products
than female ones.

Quantitative research: is a research strategy that focuses on quantifying the collection and analysis of
data. It is formed from a deductive approach where emphasis is placed on the testing of theory, shaped
by empiricist and positivist philosophies.

Associated with the natural, applied, formal, and social sciences this research strategy promotes the
objective empirical investigation of observable phenomena to test and understand relationships. This is
done through a range of quantifying methods and techniques, reflecting on its broad utilization as a
research strategy across differing academic disciplines.

The differences between quantitative and qualitative research

Quantitative and qualitative research use different research methods to collect and analyze data, and
they allow you to answer different kinds of research questions.

Qualitative vs. quantitative research

Focuses on testing hypotheses and theories Focuses on exploring ideas and formulating a theory or
hypothesis

1. Analyzed through math and statistical analysis Analyzed by summarizing, categorizing and
interpreting
2. Mainly expressed in numbers, graphs and tablesMainly expressed in words
3. Requires many respondents Requires few respondents
4. Closed (multiple choice) questions Open-ended questions
5. Key terms: testing, measurement, objectivity, replicability Key terms: understanding,
context, complexity, subjec